Lawmakers from the Bauchi State Caucus in the House of Representatives have re-submitted their proposal for the creation of Katagum State, in line with the House Committee on Constitution Review’s guidelines.
The Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Benjamin Kalu, had earlier stated that none of the 31 requests for new states met the constitutional requirements. He gave proponents until March 5 to correct and re-submit their proposals.
Widespread Support for Katagum State Creation
Re-submitting the proposal on Thursday, Auwalu Gwalabe, leader of the lawmakers pushing for Katagum State, called for an amendment to Section 3 of the 1999 Constitution to facilitate the creation of the new state and additional local governments.
Gwalabe emphasized that the proposal for Katagum State has existed for decades and enjoys broad support from:
✅ The people of Katagum, Jama’are, and Misau
✅ Members of the Bauchi State House of Assembly
✅ House of Representatives members from Bauchi
✅ Senators representing the region
A Longstanding Demand Since the 1980s
Gwalabe recalled that the agitation for Katagum State dates back to 1980, during the administration of President Shehu Shagari and Senate Leader Olusola Saraki. The proposal was also pursued during military regimes, but lost out when Gombe State was created.
"We have the manpower, landmass, and facilities. We have been agitating for Katagum State for decades. Our governor, Bala Mohammed, has also supported this cause," Gwalabe stated.
Why Katagum State Qualifies for Creation
Speaking in support of the proposal, Ibrahim Gamawa highlighted that Katagum already meets key criteria for statehood:
📌 Strategic location: Well-connected road networks linking Azare to Kano, Maiduguri, and other major cities
📌 Infrastructure: Existing power grid, university, and teaching hospital
📌 Economic viability: Strong agricultural and commercial potential
"Even some existing state capitals do not have the level of infrastructure we have in Katagum," Gamawa noted.
Hopes for Consideration in Constitution Review
The lawmakers expressed optimism that their proposal will be given serious consideration, emphasizing that Katagum State’s creation would not be a financial burden on the federal government.
"If Nigeria were to create only two new states today, Katagum should be one of them," Gamawa asserted.
The final decision on state creation will rest with the National Assembly, which will determine whether Katagum State meets the constitutional and legislative requirements for approval.
